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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Statement of Jane Danowitz, Director, Pew Campaign for Responsible MiningOn Today’s House Floor Vote on H.R. 2262Washington, DC — The House of Representatives today passed the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, which reforms the federal law that has governed the mining of gold, uranium and other hardrock minerals on public lands in the West for more than 135 years. The final vote was 244-166.The Senate is expected take up mining reform next year. "Today’s action brings us one step closer to reforming an antiquated statute that’s way past its prime. Now it’s up to the Senate to move this out-dated law from the statute books to the history books where it belongs. "Rapid western growth, mounting cleanups costs, and a rash of new claims make mining reform a priority for the American public. All Americans, not just the mining industry, have a stake in the management of our public lands. The western landscape has changed and so should the law that governs how it’s used. "Congratulations and thanks are in order for House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) who has worked for mining reform for over a decade." # # #
The Pew Campaign for Responsible Mining is a national effort of The Pew Charitable Trusts, to educate and encourage the public and policymakers to adopt a modern framework for mining in the West. The Pew Campaign is working with a diverse group of stakeholders toward responsible reform to reclaim our public lands for future generations.
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